Hi all
hoping you can help with this. My mom bought a 3 month westie pup from a breeder while on holiday. She didn't know much about this breeder or the dogs history but the breeder also offered her to take the 3 yo mother. Emotions got in the way and she took both. Mom already has 2 dogs at home- 7 yo dashund (dominant/agg) and 7yo Jack russell. I've already lectured her about no more dogs but what is done is done now so need some help with 3 yo mom.

She's now had mom and pup for 6 weeks. Mom has been spayed. This dog displays very poor socialization. She is impossible to get on leash, running and hiding, shaking and urinating as she runs even if you don't directly approach her. She is fearful of any approahing person even my mom after this time but will run and hide behind or beside you if a total stranger approachs. She will sometimes come for a treat then run aand hide and not come back for another. She is more lkely to approach if you interact with the pup and goes haywire if you take pup out of her view.

I want to help mom with this but don't even know where or how to start. She eliminates all over the house even doing so as soon as she comes in from outside. And will eliminate right beside food dish and on her bed. Cant even get her on leash without cornering her and I don't want to do that.

Help!!!!

Also I should mention that she is scared of everything! She will bark at dogs passing by at some distance but will hide if they are close. I have very rarely seen her with a "happy tail", its usually straight down and stiff. She hasnt bit but does have the panicked look in her eyes most of the time.

The best thing you can do for this poor girl is to take her out of the home at the very least on a temporary basis. She needs to be separated from her pup and introduced to a crate and housebroken.

Can you blame the poor dog for being afraid? Separating the girl from her pups is a stressful period for some bitches, but to uproot her completely at this stage is insane. She needs to be brought back to basics in an environment of high structure and be allowed for her hormones to re stabilize.

Great post, Melissa. I had not thought of that.

And then the leash can be left by the dog, fabulous treats near it and on it, let the dog approach the human, etc., etc.

Yes, I'd want this dog to be my sole concern.

I have also found the best way to win over a timid dog is to act calm and aloof and let her approach on her own time. "No touch, no talk, no eye contact." Very gentle massages and extremely smelly, yummy treats will help too. A quiet household will help too. All of her (very delicious) food should be hand fed, but don't try to pet her or talk to her while she eats at first.

Thx for those suggestions! Your right she will approach if no talk no eye contact no touch so will continue to do so. Do you have any help with how to start her on the crate and house training? It's
not like a pup who is curious about a crate and will go in it.

 Quote: Maureen Watling

... Do you have any help with how to start her on the crate and house training?

Fabulous treats near the crate, in the crate, etc.

Many many trips out to potty and wonderful rewards for good potty, just as with a puppy.

put her on half rations, feed by hand for awhile and make happy sounds, make the crate her "house" during the day say her name while she is unawares when she looks at you mark the event with a "Yes!" or a "Thas goood!" or whatever, give or toss a treat. Be sure to use the same event marker everytime